by James Slater – Heavyweights David Tua and Friday Ahunanya have weighed-in for tomorrow’s important 12-rounder to be held in New Zealand, and both guys looked in absolutely superb condition as they flexed their muscles for the cameras after stepping onto the scale. Tua, looking about as ripped and toned as I can remember seeing him, scaled a solid 239-and-three-quarter-pounds. Underdog Ahunanya, also looking ready to go, scaled 229.5-pounds..
A big deal in New Zealand, this fight, or at least it’s winner, will no doubt go on to become (once again in Tua’s case) a big deal on the world scene. But who will the winner be? One man whose opinion is to be about as respected as just about anybody else’s is, in legendary commentator “Colonel” Bob Sheridan, has made a pretty bold prediction. Sheridan – who has called many hundreds of fights over the years and will call this one also – said to The New Zealand Herald how he feels 37-year-old Tua, 50-3-1(43) will score a 1st-round KO over the 38-year-old in the second fight in his latest comeback.
If this is indeed how things unfold, Tua will have scored quite an impressive win. Okay, with his awesome punching power Tua is expected to win tomorrow, and most likely by stoppage. But having said that, Nigeria’s Ahunanya, 24-5-3(13) has never been knocked out before; with only cuts and injuries stopping him in fights. Make no mistake, though Friday “The 13th” is getting on a little in years and though he has not been at all active as of late (just one fight, a win, since November of 2007), a 1st-round win for Tua would grab some attention.
Tua does seem more focused today than he ever has before. Finally seeming to have got himself in the right place both mentally and physically, the powerhouse said he is ready to go 12-rounds if need be against Ahunanya, and that he is even willing to die to win these days! Judging by his appearance on the scales a few hours ago, Tua has certainly pushed himself hard in training.
Ahunanya also boasted an impressive physique, however, and he smiled as he posed for photos. The slightly older man also smiled broadly when he spoke about how he sees the fight going. Acknowledging his opponent’s power and finishing ability, the Las Vegas-based heavy said he will not get into a position where Tua is able to unload on him and bring an end to the fight. Though he never gave up too much of his proposed game-plan, Friday did say he realises that tomorrow’s fight is a huge opportunity for him and that as a result he will not allow Tua to take him out of his game-plan. It sounds to me as though Ahunanya will try and box Tua early, take him into the later rounds and then attempt to go to work. Not a bad idea; if he can pull it off.
Though I don’t think Sheridan’s prediction of a 1st-round KO for Tua will be proven correct, I do feel “The Colonel” is right when he says Tua will win by a KO. I think it will take a few more rounds; with “The Tuaman” winning in the 5th or 6th-round.